Expression Level of MicroRNA-122 in Serum Samples of Patients With Atherosclerosis

Samin  Aboulhassanzadeh; Hamed  Aghazadeh; Zahra  Nikkhooy; Zahra Sadat  Mousavian Hiagh; Behboud  Jafari; Sobhan  Aboulhassanzadeh

doi:10.18502/acta.v64i4.21981

Samin Aboulhassanzadeh Mérieux NutriSciences, Global, Advanced Laboratory Testing, Newbridge, Ireland
Hamed Aghazadeh Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (RCPN), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Zahra Nikkhooy Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
Zahra Sadat Mousavian Hiagh Laboratory of Dendrimers and Nano-Biopolymers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Behboud Jafari School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
Sobhan Aboulhassanzadeh Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (RCPN), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v64i4.21981

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; miR-122; Spike RNA; Expression level; PCR

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is another type of arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of arteries, playing a significant role in various cardiovascular diseases. It stands as one of the leading causes of mortality in contemporary societies, especially in advanced countries experiencing higher levels of stress. The primary feature of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of excessive lipid deposits (plaques), obstructing blood flow and leading to strokes and various cardiovascular diseases. While various factors contribute to plaque formation, both environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles. In the cross-sectional study, 80 patients with atherosclerosis, referred to Rajaee Hospital in Tehran and Madani Hospital in Tabriz, along with 80 healthy individuals for comparative analysis, were selected. All relevant information and serum levels of important biomarkers were measured, followed by statistical analysis. MicroRNA extraction was performed using Trizol solution, and CDNA was synthesized by adding polyadenine tails to all microRNA samples. The obtained CDNA was utilized for real-time PCR with LNA primers. The results, normalized using Spike RNA, indicated a significant 90% decrease in the serum levels of these microRNAs in patients with atherosclerosis. The findings suggest that microRNA miR-122 could serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing atherosclerosis.